Home safety

Moving around safely while cooking or carrying items can be a challenge. Simple adjustments can help reduce the risk of falls and make daily tasks more manageable.

This page helps you make your kitchen safer and easier to use, with practical tips to reduce the risk of falls, burns, and strain when moving around or preparing food.

Tidy, Clear, and Clutter-Free

• Keep walkways clear of boxes, bags, bins and low stools.
• Store everyday items within easy reach — between hip and shoulder height — to avoid stretching or bending.
• Avoid overfilling worktops so you can move around freely.

Avoid Slips on Wet Floors

• Mop up spills straight away to stop water, oil or food from making the floor slippery.
• Use a well-secured non-slip mat in front of the sink or where spills are likely.
• If your flooring is smooth or worn, consider replacing it with something that has better grip.

Safe Reaching and Lifting

• Don’t climb on chairs or stools to reach high shelves — ask for help or use a properly designed step with a handrail.
• If steps are essential, they must be stable, with locking legs and hand support.
• Use a grabber or reaching aid to pick up dropped items or access lower cupboards.

Move Items Around Safely

• If you often carry food or drink from the kitchen to another room, a sturdy kitchen trolley may help.
• Trolleys should only be used for carrying items, not as walking aids — make sure they’re suitable for your needs.
• Take your time, especially when carrying hot items, and avoid overfilling plates or cups.

Fire Safety in the Kitchen

Some tips and advice for fire safety in the kitchen:

• Never leave cooking unattended and always double-check that hobs and ovens are switched off after use.
• Keep tea towels, paper, and packaging away from the cooker.
• If you use gas, make sure your kitchen is well ventilated.
• Don’t wear loose clothing when cooking — it can catch fire easily.
• Consider fitting a heat detector in your kitchen (not a smoke alarm, which may be triggered unnecessarily).

Calling for Assistance

If you live alone or spend long periods at home, think about how you’d call for help in the kitchen if needed. A personal alarm worn on the wrist or around the neck can alert someone quickly if you fall or feel unwell.

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Find Support

Please find below useful links, relevant resources and contact information. All links open in a new window and may include links to websites, videos, and PDF files for downloading and printing. 

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Local Support 

Visit our Help and Contacts section
Find local help and support
Find help to stay active in your area
Find local home safety support

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Falls Prevention Team

South Tees Falls Team
If you require general falls prevention advice and support or don't know where to start, please contact the Falls Team at Low Grange Health Centre, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays, between the hours of 8.30am and 4.30pm.
Phone: 01642 944484
Email: ste-tr.fallsteam@nhs.net

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Social Services

If you are struggling to manage around your home, contact your GP surgery and ask to be referred for a rehabilitation assessment.
Redcar and Cleveland: 01642 065070
Middlesbrough: 01642 065070

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Home and Fire Safety Checks

Cleveland Fire Brigade Safety Check 
Our free Online Home Fire Safety Check is the quickest and easiest way to get personalised advice for your home. The tool provides personalised fire safety advice based on each household’s home, behaviours and lifestyle. 

Offering Safer Homes Visits to people who may be at greater risk from fire. These visits can include our trained staff visiting your home to provide safety advice, conduct smoke alarm checks, and fit free alarms if needed.

Hartlepool: 01429 851258
Middlesbrough: 01642 811650
Redcar and Cleveland: 01642 777651
Stockton-on-Tees: 01642 366180

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Support Services

Age UK Teesside
Age UK Teesside has a wide range of services to help over-50s in Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland make the most of their lives, finances, social lives, and health & wellbeing.
Phone: 01642 805500
Email: info@ageukteesside.org.uk

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Helpful Links 

Fire safety tips at home - Age UK
Tips for making your home fire safe - RoSPA
Home adaptations, care services and equipment - NHS
Identifying hazards at home - NHS Inform
Preventing falls in your home: a room-by-room guide (video)

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More on this website

Visit our Information and Advice section
Visit our Staying Active section
Visit our Home Safety section
Visit our Help and Contacts section 
Start your online Self-Assessment

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